If you are new to Formula E and are curious about electric racing, this guide will explain how the championship works.

What is Formula E?

Formula E is an all-electric single-seater racing championship. All cars are powered by electric batteries and motors instead of traditional fuel engines. The series usually features around 11 teams, with two drivers per team. Each driver races one car. Formula E focuses on sustainability, innovation, and close racing, and most events take place on temporary street circuits in major cities around the world. 

The Teams

Each team runs two cars and employs two full-time drivers. There are two main types of teams in Formula E. Manufacturer teams design and build their own powertrains, which include the electric motor, inverter, gearbox, and software. Customer teams buy their powertrains from manufacturers instead of developing their own.

To keep the competition fair and close, all teams use the same:

• Battery
• Chassis
• Bodywork

Only the powertrain and software are allowed to differ between manufacturers. This system helps ensure that racing is decided mainly by driver skill, strategy, and energy management rather than budget advantages. Teams may enter or leave the championship over time, so the grid can change from season to season.

The Drivers and Teams

Each season normally features 22 drivers, but from this season, it has gone down to 20 drivers. Many of these drivers have experience in other major racing series such as Formula 1, Formula 2, and endurance racing. Formula E attracts both experienced champions and rising young talents. Below is the Season 12 line-up (2025–26). 

Porsche Formula E Team

• Pascal Wehrlein
• Nico Müller

Jaguar TCS Racing

• Mitch Evans
• António Félix da Costa

Nissan Formula E Team

• Oliver Rowland
• Norman Nato

Mahindra Racing

• Nyck de Vries
• Edoardo Mortara

DS PENSKE

• Maximilian Günther
• Taylor Barnard

Andretti Formula E

• Jake Dennis
• Felipe Drugovich

Envision Racing

• Sébastien Buemi
• Joel Eriksson

Citroën Racing

• Nick Cassidy
• Jean-Éric Vergne

CUPRA KIRO

• Dan Ticktum
• Pepe Martí

Lola Yamaha ABT

• Lucas di Grassi
• Zane Maloney

These drivers must balance outright speed with careful energy management and race strategy throughout each event. Many of them are former Formula E race winners, champions, or stars from other series — making the grid competitive and exciting.

Attack Mode

Attack Mode is a special feature that gives drivers extra power for a limited period of time. To activate Attack Mode, drivers must leave the normal racing line and drive through a designated activation zone on the circuit. Once activated, drivers receive increased power for a set amount of time. This feature adds strategy to races and encourages overtaking.

Practice and Qualifying

Practice

The practice sessions usually last around 40 minutes. During practice, drivers test car setups, manage energy usage, practice using Attack Mode, and ensure everything is working correctly before qualifying and the race.

Qualifying

Qualifying in Formula E is different from most other racing series. Drivers are split into two groups, and each group has 15 minutes to set lap times. The fastest four drivers from each group advance to the Duels.

The Duels are one-lap, head-to-head shootouts and are split into three stages:

• Quarterfinals, where eight drivers compete and four advance
• Semifinals, where four drivers compete and two advance
• Final, where two drivers fight for pole position

The winner of the final earns pole position and three points.

The Race

Race starting positions are based on qualifying results. There is no traditional formation lap. Cars line up and move directly into their starting positions before the race begins.

Races typically last between 45 and 60 minutes, with additional laps added if there are Safety Car periods. Drivers must carefully manage their battery energy to ensure they reach the finish.

Points System

In qualifying, the driver who secures pole position receives three points.

In the race, points are awarded to the top ten finishers:

• 1st place earns 25 points
• 2nd place earns 18 points
• 3rd place earns 15 points
• 4th place earns 12 points
• 5th place earns 10 points
• 6th place earns 8 points
• 7th place earns 6 points
• 8th place earns 4 points
• 9th place earns 2 points
• 10th place earns 1 point

A driver who finishes in the top ten and sets the fastest lap of the race earns one additional point.

Image Credit: Racing News 365

Pit Boost (Attack Charge)

Pit Boost, formerly known as Attack Charge, was introduced in 2025.

This feature allows drivers to make a short pit stop to receive additional energy. Pit Boost adds another strategic element to races and is mandatory during certain events, especially double-header race weekends.

Why Formula E Is Different

Formula E stands out because it uses fully electric cars, races in city centers, and places a strong emphasis on energy management and strategy. Features such as Attack Mode and Pit Boost make races unpredictable and exciting, while the championship promotes sustainability, future technology, and innovation in motorsport.

Feature Image: Formula E

About The Author